Guendouzi, Lazio and a winter storm brewing
Matteo Guendouzi was supposed to have found stability at Lazio after leaving Marseille, first on loan and then on a permanent deal through to 2028. Instead, the 26‑year‑old finds himself back in the gossip columns, with the Italian club reportedly open to a sale this winter to help balance the books.
Local reports in Italy describe Guendouzi as no longer among the “protected” players in Rome, which is usually code for “serious offers will be considered.” Figures between 25 and 30 million euros have been floated, a range that immediately puts hungry Premier League clubs on alert.
Why the Premier League still can’t quit Guendouzi
Despite a career full of ups and downs, English clubs never seem to lose interest in Guendouzi. He impressed in flashes at Arsenal, showed character and intensity at Marseille, and remains a rare mix of energy, aggression and technical quality in midfield.
For recruiters, he ticks several boxes: international experience with France, exposure to European competition, and the personality to handle big atmospheres in England. The downside is that same fiery personality has sometimes led to clashes with coaches and boards, turning him into a high‑risk, high‑reward signing.
Sunderland’s dream reunion with their old maestro
Sunderland’s interest in Guendouzi is not a random punt; it is rooted in his past with head coach Régis Le Bris at Lorient. Le Bris has openly admitted that he remains “in contact” with the midfielder and has refused to rule out a potential move in January, an unusually clear signal in the coded world of transfer talk.
The Black Cats are looking to strengthen their midfield for the second half of the season and see Guendouzi as a player who already understands the coach’s demanding approach. The Frenchman has spoken very highly of Le Bris in the past, calling a season with him “worth several with other managers” and crediting him for speeding up his development.
The mystery second club: Premier League bragging rights
Sunderland are not alone in this chase. Reports in England and Italy mention at least one more Premier League club monitoring the situation closely, with Newcastle United repeatedly named in recent months as admirers of the player.
Newcastle are looking to beef up their midfield options and have studied the possibility of bringing in Guendouzi before, while other clubs such as Aston Villa have also been linked in the recent past thanks to his release clause and Serie A performances. If Lazio genuinely open the door in January, the expectation is that at least two English clubs will test the waters with concrete bids.
Drama, ego and the Guendouzi question
Every Guendouzi transfer story carries a bit of theatre. His body language, his reactions on the pitch and his confrontations in the past have built a reputation as a player who never hides, for better or worse.
From a dressing‑room perspective, that means any club signing him must be absolutely sure of the dressing room hierarchy and the manager’s authority. From a fan’s point of view, though, the idea of Guendouzi charging into tackles and playing to the crowd on a cold night in the Premier League is pure entertainment.
Sunderland’s gamble: hero or headache?
For Sunderland, who are still rebuilding their identity in the top flight, Guendouzi would be a statement signing. He brings experience at a higher level, a big personality and the kind of visibility that can drag a club into the spotlight very quickly.
But Premier League history is full of midfielders who arrived with hype and left with a whimper after clashing with coaches or failing to adapt tactically. Le Bris would be betting that his existing relationship with the player – and his ability to channel that intensity – would be enough to turn potential chaos into on‑field leadership.
What Lazio stand to gain – and lose
From Lazio’s side, the equation is brutally simple: the club need room to manoeuvre financially, and a sale in the 25–30 million euro range would immediately open space for reinforcements. At the same time, Guendouzi has been an important part of their midfield rotation and moving him mid‑season would force Maurizio Sarri to re‑shape key areas of his team.
Lazio’s seventh‑place finish last season and failure to qualify for Europe already increased the pressure on the board to get their transfer decisions right. Selling a high‑profile asset like Guendouzi could either fund a smart rebuild or become another stick for critics to beat them with if results dip.
The World Cup clock ticking in the background
The timing of this saga matters for Guendouzi personally. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he cannot afford another half‑season of mixed performances or uncertainty about his role if he wants any hope of pushing back into the France set‑up.
A move to the Premier League, where every game is scrutinised worldwide, could either relaunch his international ambitions or expose his weaknesses on the biggest stage. Staying at Lazio, on the other hand, might offer continuity but less visibility if the team remains outside the European spots.
Who actually needs him more?
Strip away the noise, and the basic question is: who needs Guendouzi more right now – Lazio, Sunderland, or the unnamed Premier League rival? Lazio need cash and squad balance, Sunderland need a midfield leader who already trusts their manager, and the rival club needs depth and aggression to survive a brutal second half of the season.
Each path comes with risk. For the player, the best move is probably the one where he feels genuinely wanted and trusted, not just viewed as a bargain opportunity in a busy window.
